Victoria Dog Bite Lawyer

Victoria personal injury lawyer Ryan DeHoyos has represented many families in the Victoria area who have been affected by serious injuries from dog attacks. These incidents can have a profound impact on an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. 

Nobody should have to suffer the consequences of injuries caused by a negligent dog owner’s failure to control their pet.

The team of Victoria dog bite lawyers at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys can provide the support and expertise you need to fight for fair compensation either in or out of the courtroom. 

Today is the day to start your recovery. Contact us for a complimentary, one-on-one consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and demonstrate how we can assist you, all without charging you anything upfront.

Why Call a Victoria Dog Bite Lawyer Now?

You should contact a Victoria dog bite lawyer immediately, as waiting can compromise your case. Evidence disappears quickly after a dog attack – witnesses forget details, the dog owner’s insurance company starts building its defense, and medical records can be lost or misplaced.

It’s essential to act quickly after a dog bite, as waiting too long can make it much harder to pursue your case. Insurance companies use delay tactics to weaken your claim and reduce what they pay you. The sooner you call a lawyer, the stronger your case becomes.

Dog bite injuries often seem minor at first, but can lead to serious infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring. You deserve compensation for all your losses, not just the immediate medical bills. 

An experienced Victoria dog bite attorney protects your rights from day one and fights for every dollar you deserve.

Call DeHoyos Accident Attorneys at (832) 743-2104 for immediate help with your Victoria dog bite case.

Do I Have a Dog Bite Claim in Victoria?

A dog bite claim is a legal case where you seek money from the dog owner for injuries their pet caused you. You can file a claim in Victoria if certain conditions are met.

You have a strong case if these four elements exist:

Dog owner negligence: 

The owner failed to control their dog properly, like letting it run loose or ignoring leash laws

Physical injuries: 

You suffered actual harm that required medical treatment, from minor bites to severe wounds

Financial damages: 

The attack caused real costs like medical bills, lost wages, or scarring treatment. The average price per claim nationwide was estimated at $64,555 in 2022, highlighting the financial burden.

Lawful presence: 

You were legally allowed to be where the attack happened, not trespassing on private property

Even minor bites can become infected or leave scars. Children’s cases often involve more serious injuries because dogs typically bite at face level. If you were attacked while doing your job – like delivering mail or packages – you likely have a valid claim regardless of the dog’s history.

Contact our Victoria dog bite lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. We offer a no-fee-unless-we-win guarantee, so there is no risk in seeking the justice you deserve.

What Texas Dog Bite Laws Apply in Victoria?

Texas follows the one-bite rule for dog attacks. This means the owner is responsible if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. The owner doesn’t get a free pass just because their dog never bit anyone before.

You can prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous by showing:

Previous aggressive behavior: 

The dog growled, snapped, or threatened people before

Owner warnings: 

The owner told people to stay away from their dog or posted “beware of dog” signs

Breed reputation: 

The owner chose a breed known for aggression and didn’t take proper precautions

Violation of local laws: 

The owner broke Victoria leash laws or let their dog roam freely

Victoria has specific ordinances about dog control that strengthen your case. If the owner violated these local rules when their dog attacked you, they can be held strictly liable. This means you don’t have to prove they knew the dog was dangerous.

In some cases, Texas law may hold the owner responsible for a dog attack regardless of the dog’s past behavior through strict liability, such as when local ordinances are violated or when the victim is a young child.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite?

Dog bite compensation covers all the ways the attack has harmed your life. Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the responsible party.

Your economic damages include every dollar you’ve lost or will lose because of the attack:

Medical expenses: 

Emergency room visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care

Lost income: 

Wages you missed while recovering, and any reduced earning capacity if you can’t work the same way

Property damage: 

Torn clothing, broken glasses, or other items damaged during the attack

Non-economic compensatory damages compensate you for harm that doesn’t have a specific dollar amount:

Pain and suffering: 

Physical discomfort and emotional distress from the attack and recovery

Scarring and disfigurement: 

Permanent marks, especially on visible areas like your face or hands

Loss of enjoyment: 

Your inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the attack

The amount you can recover depends on how severely the dog injured you and how the attack has changed your life. Facial scars, nerve damage, and psychological trauma typically result in higher settlements. Our team works with medical experts to document all your current and future needs.

What Should I Do After a Dog Attack in Victoria?

The steps you take immediately after a dog attack can make or break your case. Your health comes first, but protecting your legal rights is also crucial for getting fair compensation.

Get Medical Care

Seek immediate medical attention even if your injuries seem minor. Dog bites carry serious infection risks, including rabies, tetanus, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A medical report also creates official documentation of your injuries that insurance companies cannot dispute.

Don’t let the dog owner talk you out of getting medical care or convince you that their dog is “up to date on shots.” Only a doctor can properly assess your injuries and initiate the necessary treatment.

 Report to Animal Control

Call Victoria Animal Control immediately to file an official report. This creates a permanent record of the attack, allowing authorities to investigate the dog’s vaccination status and bite history.

Animal control officers can also determine if the dog owner violated any local ordinances. Their report becomes powerful evidence in your case and may reveal that this dog has a history of attacking people.

Document Everything

Take photos of your injuries immediately and continue photographing them as they heal. Also, photograph the dog if possible, the location where the attack happened, and any torn or bloody clothing.

Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack. Their statements can prove how the attack happened and contradict any lies the dog owner might tell later.

Preserve Evidence

Don’t wash or throw away the clothing you were wearing during the attack. Blood stains and tears help demonstrate the severity of the attack. Store these items in a safe place where they won’t be damaged.

Keep all medical records, receipts, and bills related to your treatment. Create a file that contains all relevant information related to your case, so nothing gets lost.

Avoid Insurer Pitfalls

The dog owner’s insurance company will likely contact you within days of the attack. They seem helpful but are actually trying to get you to say something that damages your case.

Never give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without a lawyer present. Don’t sign any documents or accept any settlement offers before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies often offer quick, low settlements hoping you don’t know what your case is really worth.

Call a Victoria Dog Bite Lawyer

Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the attack. Most lawyers offer free consultations where they evaluate your case and explain your options without any obligation.

Early legal representation protects you from insurance company tricks and ensures all evidence is preserved correctly. Your lawyer handles all communication with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your healing.

Contact our Victoria dog bite lawyers today for a free, confidential consultation. We offer a no-fee-unless-we-win guarantee, so there is no risk in seeking the justice you deserve.

Why Hire DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for a Victoria Dog Bite?

Choosing the right attorney makes all the difference in your dog bite case outcome. Ryan DeHoyos has over a decade of experience helping injury victims in Texas get the compensation they deserve.

We understand that dog bite cases are deeply personal. These attacks often happen without warning and leave victims feeling violated and afraid. Our compassionate approach means we listen to your concerns and keep you informed throughout the entire process.

Insurance companies are aware of which law firms will vigorously advocate for their clients and which ones will settle for low offers. 

Our reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy means insurance adjusters take our demands seriously.

We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover money on your behalf. There are no upfront costs or hidden charges – we only get paid when you do.

Our personalized service means you work directly with your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Texas?

Texas law gives you two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation forever, no matter how strong your case might be.

Insurance companies often use delay tactics, hoping you’ll miss the deadline or forget important details about the attack.

The sooner you start your case, the better your chances of success. Evidence can disappear over time, witnesses may move away or forget details, and medical records can be lost. Starting early gives your attorney time to build the strongest possible case.

Some situations can extend or shorten the two-year deadline. If the victim is a minor, special rules may apply that could affect when a lawsuit can be filed. However, it’s always better to start the process early to preserve evidence and witness testimony.

Don’t wait and risk missing the crucial deadline for your claim. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be. Our team is ready to help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Free Consultation With a Victoria Dog Bite Lawyer

We offer free consultations to all dog bite victims because we believe everyone deserves to know their legal rights. During this confidential meeting, we listen to your story and evaluate whether you have a valid case.

You’ll learn exactly what your case might be worth and what steps we’ll take to secure maximum compensation for you. We explain our fee structure so you understand there are no upfront costs or hidden charges.

We’re available whenever you need us, so you can get help right away after a dog attack. When you’re hurt and scared, you shouldn’t have to wait for business hours to get help.

Take the first step toward getting the help you deserve. Our commitment to transparent communication and a client-first approach ensures you can obtain answers about your case with ease and confidence.

Schedule your free, confidential consultation with a Victoria dog bite lawyer to understand the actual value of your claim and what steps we will take to secure maximum compensation for you.

Remember, our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case.